A case study on the Ayurvedic management of Sixth (Abducens) Nerve Palsy

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Abducens nerve (sixth cranial nerve) supplies the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. Abduction of the eye is carried out by the contraction of the lateral rectus muscle. The sixth cranial nerve palsy is a nonspecific sign of increased intracranial pressure and typically resolves following normalization of the intracranial pressure. Most of the patients with sixth nerve palsies experience diplopia. In the conventional practice, this phase is best managed by patching the paretic eye or by frosting a spectacle lens. As per Ayurveda, diplopia is told under Dwitiya Patalgata Timira by Acharya Vagbhata, whereas Acharya Sushruta has included diplopia under Tritiya Patalgata Timira. Case: A 32 year old female patient came to the Shalakya Tantra OPD of SJIIM, Bengaluru with complaints of difficulty in turning right eye away from nose i.e., crossing of eye inward towards nose; headache was constant over right frontal and retroorbital area since 3days with no history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. She approached to an ophthalmologist and was advised for treatment modalities like occlusion of the eye or using prisms until the diplopia subsides, botulinum toxin injections. As the patient was uncomfortable for undertaking conventional method of treatment hence came to an Ayurvedic hospital to undergo treatment. Conclusion: Isolated 6th nerve palsy and its Ayurvedic management has provided satisfactory results and provided relief from the symptoms.